Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1887-05-06
THE EMIGRANT TRAIN.
BY REV. S. CoRNEL1Us. D. d.

Before there were railroads spanning
the continent from ocean to ocean. the
slow passage Of the emigrant train a.
cross the plains and over the mountains
to the Pacific Coast tested the patience
and perseverance, and sometimes, the
courage Of the stoutcst hearts to the
very uttermost. The train, made up of
| fifty, or hundred families, we'll fur
nished and equipped as to wagons and
animals, and conveniences needful for
the journey, starts out on bright
morning with hopes colored by the sky
that bends over them, They have
not proceeded hundred miles,
| however, on the toilsome journey
ere some grow heartsick and home
sick and return whence they
came. The lessened trains moves on
discouraged, but still resolute. But by
and BY sickness, comes and graves
must be dug in the wilderness. where
in, perhaps, the best beloved must be
inferred. Other misadventures come
in the loss of animals, the wreck of
wagons, and the bloody encounter
with savages; or dissentions spring up
IN the camp, with the rupture of old
friendships, and all the heart pang that
follows. And what is there for the
emigrants to do amid all these difficult
tiesP Nothing but to press forward,
putting a stouter breast to the hill.
This they do, growing more confident
as the distance lessons between them
and the new homes they seek, till the
last mountain is descended and the last
stream forded, and the land of their
hopes is reached at last
| The stories of toilsome journeyings,
and strange and often perilous adven-
lures related by the old pioneers have
often reminded me of things which be-
fall lions pilgrims as they move on
their heavenward way. Some, who, at
the outset appear to be lke-minded
with them, are deferred by the first DIFF
ticulties that arise, and walk no more
with them. Others, forgetful of the
Christian law of love, breeds strifes
and divisions. Others, while in full
sinewed strength, suddenly fall in
death. Others, once counted leaders,
are the prey of the great enemy of
souls. But the true pilgrims dare not,
and will not turn back. The Motto of
each is:
my feet shall travel all the length
! OF the celestial road,
And march with courage in thy strength,
To serve my Father--God."
It is said OF Abraham and the company
that went with him from Haran, They
aOe,st forth to 20 into the land OF
Canaan; and into the land of Canaan
they cane;" and the same will prove
true of all of like faith with Abraham
as to the better Canaan. Think of this,
earnest pastor, and struggle the harder
to get all your flock in the narrow way
and across the dark river. Think of it,
faithful Sunday school superintendent
and teachers, and rest not satisfied till
your charge follow Jesus in the way"
Think Of it, fond father, and choose
the way of holiness for yourself if YOU
would have your family follow your
example. Think Of it, loving mother,
and, like Christiana in the Pilgrim S
Progress, take your children by the
hand and 90 with them toward the
Celestial City. Think of it, poor
wanderer from God, and turn your feet
unto Gods testimonies.
The captain Of the train, as his title
is, has no easy task. He must give the
order for moving, or resting; he must
choose the camping places; he must
hear the numberless complaints, and
adjust the numberless difficulties, If lie
can; he must leave nothing unsaid, OF
undone that can be said, or done; and,
then, he must endure all the unfair
judgments passed upon him, and patti
emily lead on. Think of Moses leadine
an emigrant train forty years in the
wilderness. He seemed to have had
every necessary qualification for the
task, not the least of which was this
''The man Moses was very meek above
all the men which were upon the face
OF the earth" He failed in this par
ticular just once, and he was permitted
to lead Israel no longer; another cap
tain was appointed in his place. Bu'
'the meekness and gentleness Of
Christ, the great Leader of spiritua
Israel never, never fails. Moses, dis
pleased by many unjust complaints
protested his inability to carry all the
people in his bosom. But when die
the Lord ever weary of leading any
sheep of His flock, or carrying any
lamb in HIS bosom Who would MOI
emigrate under such "Leader ane
Commander OF the people, from this
vale of tears, this ''land of darkness
and the shadow of DEATH" to that LAND
OF life and light prepared for all hi
followers ?
| Thousands have reached that blest abode
Amounted kings and priests to God,
And thousands more are on the road
| VIII yom go!'
-An1erican Bnpttst FLUQ